Format Not Supported
Kobo E-reader
Severity: MinorWhat Does This Error Mean?
Format Not Supported means the ebook file type cannot be read by the Kobo. Kobo supports EPUB, PDF, MOBI, and several other formats. Amazon's AZW/KFX format is NOT supported — those are Kindle-exclusive.
Affected Models
- Kobo Libra 2
- Kobo Clara 2E
- Kobo Sage
- Kobo Elipsa
- All Kobo models
Common Causes
- File is in Amazon AZW or KFX format (Kindle-only)
- File is DRM-protected from another platform
- File extension is wrong or file is corrupt
- File is a format Kobo does not support (.djvu, .lit)
How to Fix It
-
Check the file format.
Kobo supports: EPUB, EPUB3, PDF, MOBI, TXT, HTML, RTF, CBZ, CBR. Kobo does NOT support: AZW, AZW3, KFX (Kindle formats).
-
Convert the file using Calibre.
Download Calibre (free software). Add the book, then Convert Books > Output format: EPUB. Transfer the converted file to your Kobo.
-
For DRM-protected files: you can only read them on the platform they were bought on.
Amazon DRM books only work on Kindle. Kobo DRM books only work on Kobo. DRM-free EPUBs work on both.
-
Check that the file is not corrupt.
Try opening it on a computer with Calibre or Adobe Digital Editions. If it does not open there, the file is damaged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I read Kindle books on a Kobo?
Not directly. Kindle books use Amazon's proprietary format. DRM-free Kindle books can be converted with Calibre. DRM books cannot.
What is the best format for Kobo?
EPUB is the native format and gives the best reading experience. PDF works but does not reflow text on small screens.